Musings of an American expat in Bulgaria (with detours in Utah and Alaska)

New Years Eve Fun

Vince and I woke up New Years Eve to about a 8” of snowfall (and it was still coming down).

We had plans to walk down to the main street, run some errands, and grab lunch.

However, with all the snow, Vince didn’t want to take his precious car out. So he had to bribe me with a pizza lunch to walk with him (more on Bulgarian pizza in a future post).

I was so happy I went! It was a beautiful, snowy white day. It’s only about a 15 minute walk from our apartment to Smolyan’s pedestrian main street. Our first stop along the way was to get me some proper socks. I am dumb and only brought little ankle socks. Yeah, ankle socks don’t cut it in Bulgaria during the winter. Well, about 2 minutes into our walk, it was clear they weren’t going to stay on my feet. We ducked into the first clothing shop we came to and bought a few pairs of long socks. They are the softest, warmest socks EVER! We already have plans to go back and grab my a few more pairs.

After that little item was taken care of, we continued on. Vince is so patient with me and would just wait while I took pictures of every little thing. I know he might be a tad embarrassed to be married to the ultimate tourist photographer, but he never lets it show.

Sorry it's blurry, Vince's camera was on a weird setting

Smolyan's pedestrian main street

At the pizza place

After lunch, we went and bought some minced meat for Vince’s mom, bought me some finger nail polish remover, and headed back home.

All in all, it was a great way to get out in the town and enjoy the beautiful snow.

Vince’s brother arrived in the afternoon to spend the holiday with us. Luckily, I had met him before, so I wasn’t super nervous.

My body is still trying to adjust to the time change, so I had to take a nap last night or I knew I would never make it to midnight.

Hence the reason why there aren’t any pictures of me from the night. My post-nap look is not the cutest!

Throughout the night we enjoyed lots of amazing food and drinks. One thing I know, Bulgarians know how to host a party! Especially Bulgarian Babas! My MIL is one heck of a cook!

We just sat around stuffing our faces, talking (well, I just sat and listened and made up the meaning in my head), and watching TV.

Near midnight, the president came on and gave a speech. The countdown started and at the stroke of midnight the fun really started outside. Other than on the 4th of July or when the winter games were held in Salt Lake City, I have never seen/heard so many fireworks. Bulgarians take News Years seriously, man!

I got my New Years kiss from the hubby, had a wine toast (nazdrave/наздраве–in Bulgarian) took some {blurry} pics of the fireworks, then it was off to bed.

It was a fantastic night and a great start to my new life in Bulgaria.

8 thoughts on “New Years Eve Fun”

Hi Whitney! I look forward to updates from you. I just started blogging myself and I’m having a wonderful time. Your’s was the very first “Freshly Pressed” I ever clicked on. Of course I HAD to follow you 🙂 I feel like I joined a fun new club within the WordPress community. What a positive change to comments I see on all other sites.
The Bulgaria photos are amazing! You’re like the friend I adore but haven’t met yet.. haha Keep us updated, your readers love you!

Your pictures are great! I really enjoy your reading your blog. I look forward to hearing about everything in your adventure but the food part will be of great interest. Especially the pizza! Best wishes to you and Vince for 2012!

Thanks for stopping by! The food here is amazing. Other than tarator (a yogurt-y soup–I don’t like most dairy products), I haven’t tasted a thing I didn’t like. Lots of food posts in the future, I am sure. I have a pizza post coming up in the next few days.

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Hello there!

I'm Whitney...an American gal married to a Bulgarian gent living an adventurous life outside of little Trapper Creek, Alaska. Here on GMB I write about the good, the bad, and the funny that come along with a life of continued wanderlust. I'm addicted to travel, photography, crafting, eating good food, and spending time with my adorable hubs. All of these topics (and more!) are frequently featured, so...pull up a chair and stay awhile! I would love to get to know you!

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